Sacred Toranav Mata Temple Borsad, uka Borsad, rict Anand

The celebrated shrine of Toranav Mata, revered as the goddess who removes the afflictions of her devotees, grants them inner peace, liberates human beings from the bondage of karma and guides them upon the path towards moksha (spiritual liberation), stands at Borsad in Anand district. The deity is also believed to fulfil the heartfelt wishes of the faithful. Possessing an ancient tradition that stretches back nearly five centuries, this temple holds religious and spiritual significance comparable to that of a revered Shaktipeeth. Regarded as a prominent and awakened sacred seat within the Shakta tradition, it remains a powerful centre of unwavering devotion. Customs and beliefs that have continued since antiquity are still carefully preserved here.

Detailed references to this historic and sacred region appear in the ‘Kaumarika’ section, also known as the ‘Kumari Khand’, which forms part of the ‘Maheshwar’ division of the Skanda Purana. The Kaumarika Khand contains numerous chapters describing the spiritual glory of the Mahisagar Sangam, the sacred confluence where the Mahi River meets the sea. Within this very region appears the description of the ancient city of Brahmaspatya and the form of the goddess who resided there.

According to these Puranic accounts, in ancient times a river named Brahmaspati flowed through this region. On its banks stood a prosperous city called Brahmaspatya. Over the course of centuries, changes in language gradually altered the original name, and the word ‘Brahmaspatya’ underwent transformation through common usage until it eventually became ‘Borsad’, the name by which the place is now universally known. This historic settlement lies within the Mahisagar Sangam region and from a religious perspective, it is considered an exceptionally sacred site.

The presiding goddess of this place is worshipped in two distinct traditions. Practitioners who follow the Tantric path refer to her as ‘Tara’, while ordinary devotees lovingly call her ‘Sutara’. According to Tantric scriptures, the deity worshipped here as ‘Toranav’ or ‘Akshayadevi’ is regarded as a manifestation of Mata Parvati herself. In accordance with different devotional traditions and beliefs, she is venerated by several names including Tara, Torana, Tarini, Taraka and Trirupa. At this sacred spot a Pashupati Shivpind (a sacred stone emblem of Lord Shiva in the form worshipped as Pashupati, ‘Lord of all beings’) has also been established. Tradition holds that after the great war described in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas came here to perform ritual worship of Mahadev and Toranav Devi in order to free themselves from all the known and unknown sins committed during the war.

The town of Borsad in Anand district possesses a distinguished historical legacy connected with political and social transformation. Situated geographically in the fertile region known as Charotar, the town has since ancient times been an important centre for both trade and advanced agriculture. In 1888, a municipal body was established here and from that period onwards, Borsad came to be recognised as an important administrative centre. In 1925, renowned Congress leader Vallabhbhai Patel led a powerful agitation here against an unjust tax imposed by the British Government. During this historic movement, more than six thousand citizens gathered to hear Patel’s stirring address. As a result of his determined struggle and tireless efforts, the British administration was ultimately compelled to withdraw the unjust levy.

A road leads to the temple from the Vadodara–Rajkot highway which runs close to the town. The temple complex lies amid a naturally beautiful environment and the dense grove of trees surrounding it lends the atmosphere a serene charm. Passing through the entrance gate set within the boundary wall, one enters a spacious courtyard. Several large shade-giving trees stand within the courtyard and seating arrangements have been provided for devotees. Directly in front of the temple is a Tulsi Vrindavan, a sacred pedestal dedicated to the holy basil plant. At the centre of the courtyard stands the temple of Toranav Devi.

The structure of the shrine consists of a sabhamandap (assembly hall), an antaral (vestibule) and the garbhagriha (sanctum). Near the entrance within the sabhamandap is a Havan kund, the sacred fire altar used for ritual offerings. Apart from the principal doorway, the sabhamandap also has two additional entrances on the right and left sides. Leaving space in the front for the pradakshina path (circumambulatory passage), the design leads into the antaral and the sanctum beyond. Within the vestibule, niches set into the right and left walls house images of Lord Khandoba and Ganapati.

Inside the garbhagriha stands a marble shrine set upon a vajrapith (sacred pedestal). Within it are installed the images of Toranav Mata along with Bhuvaneshwari Devi, attendant deities and Ganapati. The idols are adorned with silver crowns and decorated with rich garments and ornaments. The shrine itself bears four small shikharas, each crowned with a kalasha finial. On the floor directly before the vajrapith in the sanctum stands a Shiva Lingam at the centre.

Along the edge of the temple roof runs a protective, decorative ‘Bashingi’ parapet. Above the vestibule rises a domed shikhara and on its upper section stand two small stupikas topped with a kalasha. Over the roof of the main sanctum is a square-shaped shikhara crowned by an amalaka disc and a kalasha. Within the temple courtyard on the left side stands the samadhi shrine of the temple’s mahants. Here, upon a vajrapith, is installed the image of Mahant Bathiji Maharaj. This samadhi shrine too bears an ornate shikhara and kalash upon its roof. Beside the principal temple stand three smaller shrines dedicated respectively to Badhia Dev, Mahadev and Maruti. Elsewhere within the courtyard are separate temples of Chamunda Devi, Vaishnodevi and Ganapati.

Numerous festivals and religious celebrations are observed in the temple throughout the year with great enthusiasm. The annual fair of the goddess takes place during the period from Shuddha Trayodashi to Purnima in the month of Shravan. Locally, this festival is called ‘Gaav Ujavani’, meaning the village fair. During this period elaborate rituals such as the Shatachandi and Navchandi yajnas are organised in the temple.

Two of the most important celebrations here are Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri. On these occasions, thousands of devotees arrive for the darshan of the goddess. Worshippers offer shringar (ornamental adornment), chunri (sacred cloth offering) and coconuts to the deity and distribute peda sweets as prasad. Many devotees, in fulfilment of vows made in faith, offer ornaments such as anklets, mangalsutra necklaces, bangles and sarees to the goddess. Large crowds gather for darshan on every full-moon day as well as on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery